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Even though there are plenty of hip hop purists that want to separate trap from rap, they will always be connected as trap is a sub-genre of rap. Trap music started to gain traction in the early 90s in Southern America; the signifiers of the trap style became an aggressive sound, and equally as aggressive lyrics which primarily focused on drug dealing and drug use.

Instrumentally, trap separated itself from hip hop with heavier basslines, faster time signatures, prominent 808s, layered synths, and for the more experimental trap artists, cinematic strings. Lyrically, trap artists were even more visceral in their rap bars about the inescapable gang and drug lifestyles (hence, trap) than the original gangster rappers. Atlanta became the capital of trap, while Ghetto Mafia, Goodie Mob, Outkast, Dungeon Family and Cool Breeze became the pioneers.

A decade after the inception of trap, artists such as Gucci Mane, 2 Chainz, Triple 6 Mafia and Young Jeezy started pushing the genre even further and allowing it to branch out into the diverse scene that it is today. Producers also had a pivotal role in the evolution of trap; the likes of Drumma Boy, Shawty Redd and Mike WiLL contributed to the contemporary trap sound that incorporates a dark atmosphere, street culture and a hard-hitting high-octane sound. At the turn of the century, trap not only dominated the airwaves, but it also became commonplace in strip clubs in the south too.

The first wave of trap broke into the mainstream in 2003 with the release of T.I.’s second studio album; it sold over 2 million copies and T.I. received a sync deal with EA sports. After his success, T.I. explained the motivation behind his career; to help people understand the actions of people that come from a less privileged side of life. A similar ethos is carried by the new generation of trap artists who are often misbranded as brash or crass when really, their music is reflective of their lives. In 2005, Young Jeezy entered the US Billboard Charts at number 2 after selling 172,000 copies of his album, Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101, in the week after its release. It later became a platinum record.

Fast forward to 2012; the trap scene started to merge with the EDM scene as producers and DJs started to weave trap styles into their dance mixes. Many are under the false impression that this was the beginning for trap, and it came along as some new millennial trend, but this is far from the case. In 2021, there are multiple trap sub-genres, even ones as far-reaching as trap metal. The most promising trappers to watch include the likes of Rico Nasty, Nayana Iz, Lil Uzi Vert and Waka Flaka Flame.

Matcha & Mayhem: A Conversation with Cami Bear

Posted on 6 April 2025

Cami Bear marks her return with the unapologetically sharp single, matchacoldbrew, ushering listeners into a fearless new era defined by confidence and contradiction. Rejecting expectations to fully embrace intuition, Cami unpacks her fresh artistic philosophy, inviting us into a creatively liberated space that feels both vivid and deeply personal. Partnering with Atlas Lens Co., whose cinematic credentials include groundbreaking films like Everything Everywhere All at Onceand The Batman, she crafts an emotionally tactile universe steeped in glamour and grit. Through this conversation, Cami candidly discusses the tension between digital experimentation and human imperfection, the courage behind creative reinvention, and the importance of celebrating chaos as much as polish. With characteristic wit and honesty, she offers a  look into her newest chapter, challenging her audience—and herself—to boldly claim their own contradictions.

Welcome to A&R Factory, Cami Bear—it’s a pleasure to have you with us as you usher in a bold new chapter with matchacoldbrew. The single signals a new era for you creatively—what sparked the shift, and how did you approach reintroducing yourself on your own terms? 

This shift came from finally giving myself permission to create without overthinking. I used to mold myself to expectations—whether industry, aesthetic, or sound—but matchacoldbrew is me trusting my instincts. It’s playful, sassy, and layered, like me. I wanted to reintroduce myself with something that felt effortless yet intentional, letting the music and visuals speak before I did.

Reinvention can be a powerful tool, but it also comes with risk—how do you navigate shedding past versions of yourself while staying rooted in your artistic instincts?

I don’t see reinvention as abandoning past versions of myself—it’s more like evolving them. Every chapter of Cami Bear thus far has been real to where I was at that time. I let my instincts guide what stays and what gets left behind. The key is staying honest. If a sound, a look, or an idea doesn’t feel real to me anymore, I don’t force it.

The collaboration with Atlas Lens Co. adds cinematic weight to your vision—can you walk us through how that partnership formed and what it meant to have their backing for your latest video? 

The collaboration happened organically, Atlas Lens Co. teamed up with talented director and editor Max Lin to carry out this submission-based initiative called “MONTH2MONTH” where they hand-picked brands and artists to sponsor a video for and spotlight monthly. I submitted a pitch earlier this year and Max replied the next day, the rest was history. Having their lenses shape this video gave it a timeless quality. It means everything to know that a company of such high calibre, behind some of the most powerful films today (Anora, Everything Everywhere all at Once, The Batman) and ever is now part of my story too. I’m so grateful to their whole team and everyone involved. I’m still wrapping my head around it.

You’ve mentioned your commitment to building worlds for your fans—what emotional and visual cues were non-negotiable when constructing the universe of Matcha Cold Brew?

It had to feel tactile like you could step into it. I wanted viewers and listeners to relive that night and that morning with me. Channeling something so oddly specific through art is challenging but we stuck to our gut and opted for the details that bring you to that place, no matter how niche. Cinematic lighting and movement were non-negotiables. In terms of visuals, we wanted it to transport you to the darkest places of the morning after while still keeping it fabulous, this goes for styling as well. Emotionally, I wanted a balance of dreaminess and sass—something surreal yet unapologetically me. I played with contrast a lot: soft moments with sharp edges, fantasy with reality. It’s all about duality for me.

You often speak about embracing contradictions—how do those themes of chaos and polish, glamour and grit, surface in both the sonic and visual elements of this release?

High contrast is my thing, we really wanted to make it pop here. To put it in the most simple terms this whole song is about embracing the good in the bad. I took my Sunday Scaries spin on that. I asked my creative team: How do we make the ugly look and feel glamorous? How do we make lyrics about bad times feel cute? Listen to the song today and watch the video on April 18th, I think we did a great job at answering those questions.

You push boundaries not just musically but conceptually—how does technology inform the emotional layers of your sound, and where do you draw the line between digital precision and human vulnerability?

I’ve always said that a huge part of my mission as a creative is to bridge the gap between technology and emotions. I play with technology a lot. Technology allows me to explore textures and moods I haven’t quite found the words for. But no matter how much I experiment, I always leave room for imperfection. That’s where the human side comes in. I’m drawn to first takes, breaths between words, things that feel alive, and visuals that don’t feel conventionally perfect.

With reinvention at the heart of this project, how has your relationship with your audience evolved—and what do you hope they take away from this version of Cami Bear?

I think my audience is growing with me. They’re seeing me take creative risks, and hopefully, that’s making space for them to do the same in their own lives. I want them to take away the idea that reinvention isn’t about fixing yourself—it’s about uncovering who you’ve been all along. That means embracing your mistakes, your boldness, your messiness—every unpolished and chaotic part of yourself. I want them to feel unapologetically them and to take up space without second-guessing it. And honestly, I just think it’s hilarious that I’m conveying all of this through the time I walked home from a one-night stand. I love art!

As this chapter begins, what’s keeping you energised behind the scenes—are there any habits, collaborators or creative rituals fuelling this current momentum?

Collaboration keeps me inspired. I’ve been working with people who challenge me in the best ways, pushing me outside my comfort zone. Also, daily rituals—matcha in the morning (of course), working out, and spending time offline. Protecting my energy is key to keeping this momentum going.

Stream Cami Bear on Spotify.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

The Emotional Guillotine Falls with Hyper-Trap Pop Precision in Yung Blasian’s ‘I’m Sorry’

Posted on 30 March 2025

With every scathing line and serrated hook riff in I’m Sorry, Yung Blasian proves that vulnerability in hyper-trap pop doesn’t have to come wrapped in polished platitudes. Instead, it hits like a sledgehammer wielded by someone with nothing left to lose. The Philadelphia-based artist, who has been quietly sharpening his sonic edge on SoundCloud since 2017, goes in for the emotional kill in his breakthrough hit, which carves through the noise with Latin-laced guitars, delay-drenched choral hooks, and a beat that knows no mercy once it drops.

There’s no pretence in his lyrical candour—just a supercharged vignette of coming-of-age heartbreak told from the raw end of rejection. The Haitian-Japanese vocalist and producer doesn’t just wear his heart on his sleeve; he shreds it open to expose how quickly self-esteem can be reduced to rubble when left picking through the wreckage of fading affection. The emo-adjacent anguish isn’t self-indulgent. It’s methodical. Calculated. Intentional. Yung Blasian doesn’t give you space to pity him—he drags you into the chaos of every self-effacing lyric and leaves you reeling in the aftermath.

Yet somehow, through the storm of scorn and dejection, he keeps the energy high. It’s a whiplash-inducing contrast that’s fast becoming his signature. With his ahead-of-the-curve production style, sincerity at the core of every expression, and an authentic voice that cuts through the noise, he’s not just riding the hyperpop wave—he’s building the playground it thrives in.

I’m Sorry is now available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify. 

Review by Amelia Vandergast.

Xy Gala Wires Electricity into the Mundanity of Existence in ‘Lifeless Life’

Posted on 21 March 2025

‘Lifeless Life’ opens a pop-hooked Pandora’s box of a paradox, reflecting on how life often inhibits feeling alive, especially as we become numb to atrocities and the monotonies of daily existence. Between the diaphanous candour pouring from Xy Gala’s confessions and the beat that brings a pulse of resistance to the mediocrity of reality, it’s impossible not to lock into the track and feel that he has a gift for unifying those who aren’t content to go through the motions, who struggle to find meaning and pleasure within their autonomy.

It’s a haunting track, sure to vindicate anyone who knows how emotionally paralysing it is to keep your head above water. The electro-rock riff blazes through the mix before the hauntingly pensive, cinematically raw outro, affirming that Xy Gala never pours half measures into his alchemic cocktail of pop, rock, electronica, and trap. The soaring chorus and the Santana-esque guitar solo inject an unforgettable energy into the track, fusing genres into a sound that fans of Post Malone, Falling in Reverse, and The Kid LAROI will appreciate.

The London-based luminary, Xy Gala, has never sounded more authentic or essential. ‘Lifeless Life’ is out on 21st March 2025. Hear it on Soundcloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

CALEBAKACNOTE Raises the Stakes on Hyper Pop with ‘Forever’

Posted on 16 March 2025

CALEBAKACNOTE isn’t interested in half-measures, and his latest single, Forever, makes that abundantly clear. With a hyper pop structure that spirals skyward, guided by faith, hope, and sheer force of will, the single transforms a bitter-sweet trap pop heartbeat into a track you can effortlessly get into sync with.

The future-forward production melds effortlessly with the pitch-perfect harmonies, creating an electronic pulse that refuses to settle into the background. There’s no divide between the melody and the emotion—it’s all stitched together in a way that makes Forever one of the most affecting pop hits of 2025. The track doesn’t waste time on empty sentimentality; instead, it builds on realism, offering a resonantly grounded take on 21st century relationship dynamics.

CALEBAKACNOTE’s instinctive approach to pop draws from a genre-fluid background, his sound fuses pop, R&B, gospel, and alternative influences into a unique sonic signature you will want scribed through your playlists. His refusal to be confined extends beyond the music—his presence in the creative world spans songwriting, production, and visual storytelling, ensuring that his artistry is as immersive as it is immediate.

It’s rare to find a hyper pop track that lingers without gimmicks, but Forever is an earworm with substance, engineered for longevity. Whether it pulls you in for the euphoric rush or the lyrical weight, one thing’s certain—it won’t let go.

Stream Forever on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Jerrelle’s ‘Bluetooth’ Links Emotion to Strategy in a Hypnotic RnB Trap Pop Hit

Posted on 12 March 2025

You’ll have no problem connecting with Bluetooth, Jerrelle’s latest RnB trap pop single that ensnares with the beat and pulls you in deeper through his cultivated approach to lyrical storytelling. The track is a calculated and cultivated interplay of emotion and strategy, where every verse keeps you locked in.

As the single progresses, the full picture manifests through polished electro hooks and Jerrelle’s charismatically sharp vocal presence, which remains unflinchingly magnetic throughout the track. Adding an almost mind-bending dynamic is a carnivalesque polyphonic melody that cavorts around the bass-swathed beats, injecting unpredictability into the rhythm while the lyrics cut through with an awareness of modern connection as a game of moves and counter-moves. Who said romance was dead?

Jerrelle’s ability to hold the reins between vulnerability and control mirrors his diverse influences, spanning from Lauryn Hill to Brent Faiyaz. There’s a quiet intensity in his delivery, a balance of smoothness and sharp edges, reinforcing the complexity of human interaction that Bluetooth lays bare.

Bluetooth is available now on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Ben Z Breaks the Mould with the Shape-Shifting Alt Trap Pop Anthem, ‘Wanderin’’

Posted on 10 March 2025

Ben Z made an unapologetic introduction with Wanderin’, a debut single that refuses to follow a straight path. What starts as a cinematic composition that wouldn’t be out of place in Zimmer’s repertoire chameleonically morphs into a moody trap flow, with bars blazing over the sharp beats that bring intensity to the production, amplifying every syllable that Ben Z lays down with conviction and charismatic swagger

Succeeding in his mission to lay down hits that blaze past the mould right out of the gate, the innovator has a promising career, and if the visceral impact of Wanderin’ proves anything, it is that he’s an artist with the fortitude and fire to deliver. The seamless transition from orchestral grandeur to brooding hip-hop dynamism is a bold move, but one that pays off by showcasing the full force of his creative instincts.

With a vision this sharp and a debut this potent, Ben Z has already set the bar high. If this is just the starting point, whatever comes next is bound to hit just as hard.

Wanderin’ is available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Young Jay Channels the Tides of Romance in His Tropic RnB Trap Pop Fusion, ‘Her Ocean’

Posted on 2 March 2025

Young Jay’s latest single, Her Ocean, is as sonically oceanic as the title—it moves with the same tranquil yet powerful force. Fusing pop, RnB, and trap, the independent artist found his space in the contemporary landscape with a track that radiates warmth and intimacy. There’s a sultry undercurrent, but the real strength lies in the sincerity of his lyricism. While others lean on excess, Young Jay proves that restraint and poetic depth leave a far stronger impression.

After stepping away from music for a year following the passing of his great-grandmother, Lillie Mae Jones Manning, Young Jay resurfaces with a song that feels like both a reflection and a return. Her Ocean is far from surface-level sentimentality—it’s a testament to the kind of romance that refuses to drown in modern trends. With a vocal delivery that rolls in like a tide, carrying both tenderness and intensity, he captures the equilibrium between admiration and longing, bringing a tactile emotional depth to the track.

The production lingers in the same atmospheric space, conjuring images of golden-hour heat and slow-motion devotion. The melody doesn’t overpower; it guides, letting the lyrical honesty take centre stage.

Her Ocean is available now on all major streaming platforms, including YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Liverpool’s Luke O’Hanlon Dissects the Wreckage with ‘Alcohol and Sodium’

Posted on 28 February 2025
https://soundcloud.com/lukeohanlon/alcohol-and-sodium

There’s no glamour in self-destruction on Luke O’Hanlon’s single, Alcohol and Sodium. The first cut from his forthcoming album, The River Only Flows One Way, carries the weight of every regret that lingers long after the bottle’s empty and the neon lights have lost their warmth. O’Hanlon’s lyricism, steeped in stark poetry and weary wisdom, doesn’t romanticise the rough edges—it lays them bare, exposing the loneliness in bad decisions and the inevitability of time slipping through cracked fingers.

Sonically, O’Hanlon leans into the mesmerising guitar work of Kurt Vile while pulling from Modest Mouse’s raw alt-country grit. When the composition fractures into garage rock territory, Strokes-esque vocals carve their way through the stripped-back instrumentation, ensuring every line lands like an unfiltered confession rather than a performance.

There’s a whisper of Tom Waits’ barstool storytelling and Richard Thompson’s cutting clarity in the delivery, but O’Hanlon’s voice is entirely authentic—ragged yet resolute, with a cynicism that never topples into defeat.

Rather than framing hedonism as rebellion or a necessary rite of passage, Alcohol and Sodium offers a different perspective—one that doesn’t ask for sympathy or redemption, just recognition. If this is just the first glimpse into The River Only Flows One Way, the full release in April 2025 is set to be an unflinching, razor-sharp reflection on survival itself.

Alcohol and Sodium is now available to stream on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Interview: Warlet on Authenticity, Neurodivergence, and Finding Strength in Vulnerability

Posted on 8 February 2025

Warlet doesn’t hold back when it comes to honesty in her music. The Brazilian-born, Nova Scotia-based artist uses her platform to explore deep emotions, societal expectations, and the realities of being a neurodivergent Latin immigrant in the music industry. Inspired by artists like Twenty One Pilots and NF, she aims to offer listeners the same sense of understanding and comfort that once guided her through difficult times. With a sound shaped by emo, trap, pop rap, and RnB, her music carries both weight and intensity, reflecting her passion for raw expression. In this interview, she discusses her approach to songwriting, the intersection of her creative skills, and how she balances vulnerability with the energy of live performance.

Warlet, welcome to A&R Factory, it’s a pleasure to have you with us to discuss your backstory, achievements and ambitions. To give our readers an idea of your ethos; what does it mean to you to be an artist? 

Thank you guys for having me! It’s a pleasure! To me, being an artist means using one of the most amazing things human beings can do, which is to create, and give it back to people by making something meaningful in any form. I always say that I love making music because I want to make people feel something, whatever that is. Emotions are so beautiful and art is an outlet to explore that on us.

You never shy away from vulnerability in your songwriting; how does it feel to be so candid in your tracks? 

I don’t think I could ever be any other way. Being sincere about my feelings is my natural instinct with everything in life, maybe because of my autism, I don’t know really… But to me, vulnerability is powerful and being your true self should always be encouraged in society even though it really isn’t… Talking about the hard things once in a while is just as important as being entertained! I wish we all reminded ourselves of that more often.

What motivates you to speak so openly about these issues?

I think I was heavily inspired by Twenty One Pilots and NF on this one. In different moments of my life, these two artists literally helped me organize my own thoughts and feelings when I needed the most, which led me a moment where I thought to myself, “that’s exactly what I want my music to do to people”. I am motivated by the idea that there is someone out there listening to my song and relating to the lyrics, and that this brings them comfort, just like one day somebody’s music changed my life as well.

What has your experience of the music industry been as a neurodivergent Latin immigrant? 

Honestly, the music scene where I live in Nova Scotia is pretty opened and welcoming. These factors do affect my daily experiences in other areas more often than I would like, but at least the music world I am currently in, is one of those safe spaces away from all of this. I know once my horizons open up to the bigger world of music, it will be different, as this is a smaller community, but at least I have a good base to start building on.

What initially drew you to synthesising emo, trap, pop rap and RnB into your sonic signature? 

My passion for all these genres! The interesting thing is I think all these genres speak about deep topics whether on a social context or an emotional place, which is probably what drew me into these types of music more. I’m also very attached to heavier sounds overall, I’m passionate about heavier sounding beats, stronger vocals and any impactful sound on a song.

With your background as a beatboxer and visual artist, in what ways do these creative skills intersect when you write and perform your songs?

I always try to do at least a small beatbox showcase every time I perform! Eventually, I want to make some of my music being fully organic – with “mouth” sounds only, per say, it’s a plan for the future. I’m as well always drawing and designing my own cover arts and concepts for my music, so it’s quite helpful to mix all these worlds together!

Having just released your debut EP, which track do you feel best captures your reality, and what inspired its creation?

That’s hard to say, since the whole idea behind this EP was to be as genuine and raw with my emotions as I could, so in a way, all of them could fall into this category of capturing my life perfectly, but in different aspects. I do feel like “SOCIALMASKS” will always be that song that describes the struggles of being an autistic woman the best and more precisely though, if I had to point out one of them.

When it comes to your touring plans, how do you intend to connect with audiences on an emotional level during live performances?

I want to be real with every performance. Yes, I want to make people hyped and willing to dance as well, but I am hoping my passion for my own lyrical process comes through when I am singing on stage.

How do you balance the rawness of your personal backstory with the polished demands of performing on stage?

It is actually quite challenging – and funny. I feel like I am extremely awkward inside, but I did in the past take classes with my mother, who is a performance coach, and I just try to embody her lessons on my whole body in order to be a good performer. I have a lot to work on though, and I’m slowly trying to find ways to feel comfortable moving on stage regardless of my disability that kind of makes me a little terrified of being perceived! It’s the big irony of my life. I love to be an artist and show true myself just as much as  I’m scared of being seen. It’s a work in progress for sure!

Looking ahead, what role do you see touring playing in the evolution of your music career, and how might it influence your future projects?

I’m still very underground and frankly, just want to put my music out there in the world and form my own community of people that enjoy what I do. Making connections with people is what makes this whole music thing stronger, and I look forward to what other opportunities this project will open up for me. These are the first steps of what will eventually become a bigger achievement but I want to enjoy and appreciate every detail of the journey.

Stream Warlet’s discography on Spotify and stay up to date with all her latest aural antics on Instagram and TikTok.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

Brino blasted ahead of the curve with his vibe-steady alt-hip-hop earworm, ‘Out the Way’

Posted on 8 February 2025

Brino isn’t here to play by anyone else’s rulebook, and Out the Way, the standout single from his latest LP, achievemephobia*, proves exactly that. The Chicago Land-based artist has been honing his craft since 2016, and this latest release is a testament to his refusal to lock into any formula. Going beyond the archetypal rattle of 808s, he delivers a slick fusion of electronica and hip-hop, all while letting his dynamic vocals dictate the flow with a cadence that cuts through with precision.

The earworm is a vibe-steady statement of unflinching resilience, which sees Brino drench the instrumentals with soul through the bars he spits, embodying the luxe style of contemporary RnB while swerving predictable territory.

There’s no forced inspiration here, no preaching, just raw introspection spun into lyrical gold. He waxes lyrical with feverish autonomy like he’s got nothing to lose, as his lyrics narrate just that in an exhibition of what it truly means to blur genre boundaries.

Out the Way is now available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast